July 2004: Meridian Capital, a London-based investment company, purchased the Métropole Hotel in Beaulieu-sur-Mer (French Riviera). Mr Ian Connor, partner in Meridian Capital, was appointed Métropole’s CEO.

This hotel, originally built in 1892, was part of the Relais & Châteaux chain for several decades. Unfortunately the hotel progressively fell short of current luxury standards. It also failed to meet either the safety regulations (fire or seismic events) or those for disabled access, and it was losing money; consequently, the owners decided to close it at the end of 2006.

The hotel owners carefully reviewed several proposals before deciding in favour of an ambitious renovation project presented by Mr Edouard François. This Parisian architect, who had just undertaken a full renovation of hotel Fouquet’s Barrière on the Champs Elysées in Paris, is well known for his environmental expertise.

The project involves demolition of the existing building, its reconstruction in the same spirit and the creation of an underground car-park, restoring the area to pedestrian use and allowing the creation of a luxurious garden containing all the original species, tree for tree and size for size.

This brand new hotel will apply for 5-star classification. Building work will cost €100 million and the new venue will employ 100 people full-time.
As an essential first step towards fulfilment of the project the owners requested a simplified modification of the  zoning regulations (Plan d’Occupation des Sols) in Beaulieu-sur-Mer; this would also ensure the property could only be used as a hotel.

Mr Roger Roux, Mayor of Beaulieu, who battles tirelessly for the economic and cultural revival of his town, was fully in favour of the project and publicly supported the Métropole’s owners.
The zoning modification was approved by the town council (conseil municipal) at an official meeting on May 29th, 2008, following approval by the public inspector and the official architects (Architectes des Bâtiments de France).

On July 31st 2008 the owners applied for a building permit.

On January 30th 2009, the Nice Côte d’Azur Urban Community (Communauté Urbaine Nice Côte D’azur) voted in favour of the simplified zoning modification; consequently the planning application, submitted on 31st July 2008, could go ahead.

A few days later, Mr Christian Estrosi, President of Nice Côte d’Azur Urban Community and Mayor of Nice, concerned by public statements made by one of his opponents, referred the case to the Préfet, Mr Francis Lamy. The latter called for a joint inspection by two Ministries: Culture and Environment & Ecology (MEEDDAT, i.e. Ecologie, Environnement, Développement Durable & Aménagement du Territoire)

As a consequence, local bodies, – notably the Architectes des Bâtiments de France – were taken off the case, which was reviewed at national level.

On March 20th 2009, Mr Christian Estrosi publicly announced to the media his wish to suspend the January vote, pending the conclusions of the ministerial inspections.
In agreement with the Mayor, the Métropole’s owners had no alternative but to withdraw their planning application.

On September 8th 2009, the Préfecture of Alpes Maritimes informed them of the results of the Ministries’ inspections.

In order to present one of Europe’s most ambitious luxury hotel projects to the French administration as soon as possible, the entire Métropole team has resumed its efforts with even stronger enthusiasm and determination.

While awaiting the outcome of these efforts, I would like to sincerely thank the residents and shopkeepers of Beaulieu-sur-Mer who, every day, offer us their support and encouragement. I promise to keep you informed about the progress of this great project that is so close to our hearts.

Marie-Christine DELBOS
General Manager